Science

SCIENCE COURSE SEQUENCE
3 credits required for graduation  

SCIENCE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

FOUNDATIONS OF LIFE SCIENCE WITH LAB (1 credit)
Foundations of Life Science with lab is designed to develop the student’s scientific inquiry skills across life and earth/physical sciences with a focus on preparing the student for the Connecticut Academic Performance Test (CAPT). The application of scientific concepts to trade experiences reinforces the curriculum. The laboratory explores the concepts of conservation of matter and energy as they relate to physical, chemical, biological and geological systems. The student will be exposed to hands-on laboratory investigations, which consist of a series of projects designed to lead the student through independent and/or team research and scientific exploration. Course content reflects the Connecticut science framework.

HONORS FOUNDATIONS OF LIFE SCIENCE WITH LAB (1 credit)
The honors section is a more rigorous application of the Foundations of Life Science with Lab, as previously described.  Topics are covered more in depth and include additional hands-on laboratory work.  Individual student research topics in Life Science are emphasized in this course.

FOUNDATIONS OF PHYSICAL SCIENCE WITH LAB (1 credit)
Foundations of Physical Science with Lab furthers the development of the student’s scientific inquiry by integrating the sciences, with a focus on preparing the student for the Connecticut Academic Performance Test (CAPT). This course builds on the concepts studied in Foundations of Life Sciences with lab and incorporates in more detail the principles of chemistry, environmental topics and physics. The application of scientific concepts to trade experiences reinforces the curriculum. This course covers areas of chemical reactions, energy transfers in life processes, and biochemistry. Students will form hypotheses, design experiments, use technology, analyze data and draw conclusions. Course content reflects the Connecticut science framework.

HONORS FOUNDATIONS OF PHYSICAL SCIENCE WITH LAB (1 credit)
The honors section is a more rigorous application of the Foundations of Physical Science with Lab, as previously described.  Topics are covered more in depth and include additional hands-on laboratory work.  Individual student research topics in Physical Science are emphasized in this course.

BIOLOGY (1 credit)
This course will focus on biological concepts. Topics include the scientific method of inquiry, as well as the following: basic biochemistry; the study of cell structure and function; cell physiology; cell reproduction and development; Mendelian genetics; population genetics; ecology; and the classification, structure and function of organisms. The application of scientific concepts to trade experiences reinforces the course curriculum. A variety of laboratories provide the student with opportunities to form hypotheses, design experiments, use technology, analyze data and draw conclusions.
College Career Pathways – Students successfully completing this course can receive advanced college credit. (Gateway Community College only)

CHEMISTRY (1 credit)
Building on knowledge developed in the previous integrated science courses, students will be introduced to chemistry topics such as: atomic structure, chemical bonding, energy changes, stoichiometry, periodicity, properties of gasses, solutions, acid-base theory, electrochemistry, and organic and biochemistry. Students will investigate the properties, composition and structure of matter and the laws that govern the combination of elements and reaction of substances. The application of scientific concepts to trade experiences reinforces the curriculum. Students will apply their knowledge of chemistry to various problem-solving activities with the use of science-specific technologies and standard laboratory tools.
College Career Pathways – Students successfully completing this course can receive advanced college credit. (Gateway Community College only)

HONORS CHEMISTRY (1 credit)
Honors Chemistry is a laboratory and mathematically-oriented science course. Basic classical concepts are emphasized in this college preparatory course. Topics studied will include measurement, atomic and molecular structure and theory, periodic law, chemical bonding, formulas, equations and stoichiometry, gases, liquids, solids and solutions, chemical reactions (acid-base and red-ox), nuclear, and organic chemistry.
*College Career Pathways – Students successfully completing this course can receive advanced college credit. (Gateway Community College only)

PHYSICS (1 credit)                                        
Using an applied approach, students will investigate Newton’s laws, classical mechanics, universal gravitation, astronomy, electricity and electrical forces and the electromagnetic wave spectrum (EMS). The application of scientific concepts to trade experiences reinforces the curriculum. Through participation in laboratory experiences, students will develop an understanding of connections between physics and the workings of simple and complex technological devices.
*College Career Pathways – Students successfully completing this course can receive advanced college credit.

HONORS PHYSICS (1 credit)                                                                                                    
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra II
Through this honors physics course, students will gain an in-depth knowledge and appreciation of the physical world, using both the qualitative and quantitative study of the principles of physics. The application of scientific concepts to trade experiences reinforces the curriculum. Honors physics stresses the use of mathematics to illuminate the physical situation and problem solving. The prerequisite for taking this course is successful completion of Algebra II or, upon permission of instructor, concurrently taking Algebra II.
*College Career Pathways – Students successfully completing this course can receive advanced college credit.

AP (Advanced Placement) PHYSICS I AND II (1 credit)                                                          
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra II
These Advanced Placement courses follow a two-year sequence fulfilling the science credit requirements for graduation. The course is offered only in Grades 11 and 12, with one credit each year – two credits total. The prerequisite for taking the course sequence includes successful completion of Algebra II. Students will gain an in-depth knowledge and appreciation of the physical world, using both the qualitative and quantitative study of the principles of physics. The application of scientific concepts to trade experiences reinforces the course curriculum. Students will prepare for the AP Physics Assessment, stressing the use of mathematics to illuminate the physical situation and problem solving. Students may elect to take the AP exam to qualify for college credit in May of their senior year.
*College Career Pathways – Students successfully completing this course can receive advanced college credit.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (1 credit)
Environmental Science will train students in standard laboratory operating procedures and sampling/analysis techniques in the related areas of chemistry, biology and environmental science. The application of scientific concepts to trade experiences reinforces the curriculum. Training will also take place in the use of scientific instrumentation, collecting and handling samples in the field, and safety with regard to state and federal Occupational, Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) regulations as they apply to the workplace.

FORENSICS (1 credit)
This course is designed to challenge students with topics such as fingerprinting; DNA analysis; blood typing and spattering; trajectories (for ballistics as well as blood spattering); comparative anatomy; chemical analysis of drugs, poisons, and trace evidence; and, the dynamics of physics.  Students will learn about the careers involved with Forensic Science and will play mock roles as experts in the field to solve crimes.  They will learn team work in solving the mock crimes and have a chance to change their roles as the year progresses.  The students will be provided training in the analysis of data and chemical/biological evidence.

HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY (1 credit)
This course is an introduction to the structure and function of the human body.  It provides students with a solid foundation in human anatomy and physiology.  This course includes a study of diseases, conditions, and an emphasis on how various organ systems maintain homeostasis.  The study of human biology incorporate a variety of learning activities such as problem-solving, hands-on-activities, experiments, and projects to learn the content.  The use of core and advanced biology equipment includes microscopes, human models, and prepared slides of the various body sectors.